If you like how the third-generation Mercedes-Benz CLS looks, but think it’s a little sedate performance-wise in its CLS 450 variant form, then the Mercedes-AMG CLS 53 sounds like just the thing. The hot version of the C257, which made its debut earlier this year in Detroit, has been introduced in Malaysia alongside its civilian sibling, and arrives here also in Edition 1 guise.

The 53 is powered by the same M256 3.0 litre turbo inline-six engine as seen on the CLS 450, but output has been bumped to 435 hp and 520 Nm in this case. The mill features a 48-volt on-board electrical system and an EQ Boost integrated starter generator, fitted between the engine and transmission. This provides the engine with 21 hp and 250 Nm of assist for short periods.

Paired with an uprated nine-speed AMG Speedshift TCT 9G automatic and with 4Matic+ all-wheel drive in tow, the CLS 53 does the 0-100 km/h sprint in 4.5 seconds, with top speed electronically limited to 250 km/h.

The CLS 53 gets an AMG Ride Control air suspension, which features continuously adjustable damping ADS+ (Adaptive Damping System). Also on, special steering knuckles and load-bearing joints as well as higher spring rates, to reduce body roll and improve cornering stability.

Styling-wise, the AMG variant of the CLS gets a twin-blade radiator grille in silver chrome – previously unique to the full-on AMGs only – as opposed to the diamond radiator grille with individual pins, and the central radiator now features a black lattice pattern.

There’s also a new front apron in A-wing design, two horizontal fins in the outer air intakes, AMG-specific side sill panels, a rear spoiler, a rear apron with a new diffuser insert and rounded quad exhaust tips.

The local-specification CLS 53 comes with an AMG Line exterior and Night package as well as an AMG exterior carbon package, which replaces the standard fit spoiler and exterior mirror caps with carbon-fibre AMG units. It rides on 20-inch five-twin spoke AMG light alloy wheels.

Inside, there’s an AMG Line interior, an AMG sport steering wheel dressed in Nappa leather and a Copper Art interior, part of the Edition 1 pack. Here, the seats are finished in black pearl Nappa leather, with diamond design print on the centre sections and copper-coloured topstitching. Also on, AMG carbon-fibre centre console and trim elements.

Like the CLS 450, there are also AMG illuminated door sill panels, an electric sliding glass sunroof, an Air Balance package and premium 64-colour ambient lighting. It also features a COMAND Online navigation system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto support, a Burmester surround sound system and wireless charging.

The Mercedes-AMG CLS 53 Edition 1 is priced at RM806,638, on-the-road without insurance and zero-rated GST. Opting for the designo paint brings the price to RM811,355.

Anthony Lim believes that nothing is better than a good smoke and a car with character, with good handling aspects being top of the prize heap. Having spent more than a decade and a half with an English tabloid daily never being able to grasp the meaning of brevity or being succinct, he wags his tail furiously at the idea of waffling - in greater detail - about cars and all their intrinsic peculiarities here.

No problem coz you said Camry will be sold at Rm60,000 now with new government. I’m still waiting for you to share your showroom location. AFAIK, Camry prices is set to increase with SST, so where is your Rm60,000 Camry?

car is probably really worth usd20k, put on the badge and theres the difference. Mercedes today are full of low crappy components which probably give you max 4 years of trouble free motoring if you are lucky. After that everything will break and they will charge you a bomb for parts made by cheapest material possible..hence will be worth only rm20k in couple of years..rest of your money goes up in smoke..why anyone would put themselves into it i have no freaking idea..imaginary status maybe lol

You can either post as a guest or have an option to register. Among the advantages of registering is once a name has been registered, a guest cannot post using that name. If you have an account, please login before commenting. If you wish to have a profile photo next to your name, register at Gravatar using the same e-mail address you use to comment.